Combustion engine driven generator including spring structure for oscillating the inductor at the mechanical resonant frequency between power strokes

ABSTRACT

A generator in which the inductor is operatively connected to spring structure to be periodically oscillated relative to an induced current coil, at frequencies of mechanical resonance and responsive to irregular power strokes of an engine piston.

United States Patent [1 Demetrescu [54] COMBUSTION ENGINE DRIVENGENERATOR INCLUDING SPRING STRUCTURE FOR OSCILLATING THE INDUCTOR AT THEMECHANICAL RESONANT FREQUENCY BETWEEN POWER STROKES [76] Inventor: De rn efre scu, 17761Pa1'ment0 Way, Irvine, Calif. 92664 [21] Appl. No.:298,824

[52] US. Cl 290/40, 290/1, 123/46,

[51] Int. Cl. H02p 9/04 [58] Field of Search"; 123/46, 46 F; 185/9;

[451 Get. 16, 1973 [56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 3,247,4064/1966 Toesca 290/1 2,083,680 6/1937 Anderson et a1. 123/46 3,398,3028/1968 Harnau et a] 310/1 S 3,675,031 7/1972 Lavigne 290/1 PrimaryExaminer-G. R. Simmons Attorney.Charles E. Wills [5 7] ABSTRACT Agenerator in which the inductor is operatively connected to springstructure to be periodically oscillated relative to an induced currentcoil, at frequencies of mechanical resonance and responsive to irregularpower strokes of an engine piston.

43 Claims, 10 Drawing Figures 40 37 FUEL 64 l 3 A A COMBUSTION ENGINEDRIVEN GENERATOR INCLUDING SPRING STRUCTURE FOR OSCILLATING THE INDUCTORAT THE MECHANICAL RESONANT FREQUENCY BETWEEN POWER STROKES REFERENCE TODISCLOSURE DOCUMENT This application incorporates subject matter ofDisclosure Document No. 009927, filed Apr. 5, 1972.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION This invention has to do with generation ofelectricity and for that purpose provides a novel generator of improveddesign. More particularly, the invention has to do with a radicalbreakthrough in electrical power generation technology which enablesportable, almost pollution-free power generation using conventionalfuels and presently widely available and low cost materials ofconstruction.

The invention will be described in embodiments of particular utility inautomobile propulsion, but the device and method are plainly applicableto all manner of applications with or without modification, as the casemay be, including all those uses now known for electric motors which maybe conveniently operated by power provided by the present generatorinvention and many of those uses thought to be beyond the electric motoras now known for reasons of power, cost or weight.

The automobile has of late been the center of much attention, beingattacked as the bete noire of a clean environment and defended as thesine qua non of modern civilization. Unprecendented governmentalinterest and regulation has produced a storm of engineering effort atthe best financed and most capable centers of scientific talent in thiscountry and elsewhere throughout the world. These efforts for the mostpart have been constrained by traditional thought channels, because ofthe assumed impossibility of harnessing conventional fuels tounconventional engines.

The conflict between proponents of automobiles and opponents isa contestof economic dimensions. Unusual fuels or battery powered cars wouldobsolete service stations as they are presently known creating economicchaos in one of the countrys-most basic industries. Turbine poweredautomobiles pose safety problems of untold difficulty'since no productof like danger potential has ever been mass marketed. Rapid transit cansupplement, but .never supplant the private automobile, and even then,only in the most densely populated areas. Indeed, the wideavailabilityof the automobile has made it possible to have suburbs as we now knowthem, and suburbs are where people want to live;

The attempted refinement of the present internal combustion engine, orits Wankel counterpart, through extremes of fineness in tuning andtolerances, through tailoring of fuels and through ever more drasticandexpensive post combustion treatment ofexhaustgases does not addressthefundamental problem, but merely applies patches to a basically falsepremise.

No matter how sophisticated (and costly) the engine refinement, the fuelcomposition and the after burner technology, the inescapable fact isthat an automobile must go fast or slow, it must stop, start and idle,it must accelerate and decelera te; and heretofore these operatingrequirements have been the shoals upon which improvements in pollutionperformance have foundered. The presently known internal combustionengines, re-

ciprocatory or rotary cannot be optimized for fast and slow oraccelerating and decelerating operation but compromises must be struckbetween these operating modes, and thus pollution generating nonoptimumperfonnance tolerated a good portion of the time.

My invention takes a different approach. I provide an apparatus which,while using conventional fuel, operates at optimum conditions all thetime, or it does not operate at all. The conflicting requirements ofmore or less power, faster or slower, in operation of the device, e. g.,a car powered by my apparatus, are treated in such manner, hereinafterexplained, that optimum operation from a pollution standpoint continuesregardless of the ebb and flow of power demand.

Moreover, the efficiency is nearly theoretical, fuel consumption isreduced overall, fewer parts are required, and those that are needed arereadily available, and in the automobile application, costly gear trainparts and their inherent problems are obviated.

Accordingly, as will become apparent hereinafter, the environmental,economic and technological forces heretofore acting in opposition in thedevelopment of low cost, safe prime movers have been harmonized throughthe present invention, in that gasoline distribution is unaffected,present auto design parameters are retained, the auto after-marketcontinues, the atmosphere is not subjected to untold tons of pollutants,and

withal no economically unrealisitc innovation is required.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION put is fixed, at a harmonic of the oscillationfrequency,

e.g., at 60 Hertz. As is known, the energy required to maintain resonantoscillation is a small fraction of the energy required to oscillate thesame mass at other than resonantfrequencies, nonetheless, the energyderived from each oscillation, as voltage and current, isthe same sincethe induction coil does not know the energy required to move theinductor.

Moreover, because the inductor resonates, the energy pulsesare not onlysmall but may be fixed in total energy and varied in their rate ofincidence. Thus, for example, an internal combustion engine may be usedto displace a piston carrying the inductor, the cylinder receivingmetered and constant or fixed quantities of combustible fuel-air mixtureto effect piston displacement. Because the quantity of fuel introducedcan be kept the same, since only small pulses of energy are needed, andthese can be irregularly spaced to vary engine output, the fuel deliverysystem need not be able to vary air-fuel ratios and many complicationsof presently known carburetion and fuel injection devices are obviated.

Additionally, the constant fuel-air ratio can be optimized, madeessentially ideal for complete combustion and thus virtually pollutionfree, all the time.

The fuel additions in the internal combustion engine embodiment hereofare varied in incidence, with blind strokes during which only fuel-freeair is admitted, compressed and expanded in the cylinder, beingsubstituted for fuel combustion during the power stroke portion of thecycle, from one power stroke in every cycle four strokes total) to anysmaller ratio e.g., two power strokes in 40 cycles, or the like.Recalling that the inductor is kept oscillating by the resonant system,at a constant frequency but decaying amplitude, the occasional truepower strokes will pulse the piston, and, thus, the inductor and restorethe amplitude of oscillation, which amplitude may accordingly be sensedto assist in control of the device, i.e., a sensed decreased oscillationamplitude indicating a need for greater incidence of power strokes inthe engine cycle.

A notable feature of the present device is the retention of one trueadvantage of the so-called rotary, or Wankel engine, over conventionalreciprocating en-,

gines, namely the absence of end-of-excursion power loss as the movablepart reverses direction. In my device the spring system stores energy oncompression and returns it so the-end of excursion does not entail powerlosses heretofore associated with linear motion.

A further advantage of the present invention is that greater power isnearly instantly available, without the need of accelerating heavy metalmasses and without the undue delays characteristic of turbine and dieselengines which have limited theappeal of these propulsion systems inautomobiles.

Accordingly, the invention provides in an electric generator of theinternal combustion type, a generator structure including an inductoradapted to be driven directly'by power strokes in the operating cycle ofthe engine, and spring structure reacting to said power strokes tooscillate the inductor at the frequency of mechanical resonance, betweensuccessive power strokes to generate electricity. The invention furthercontemplates provision of means responsiveto a predetermined decrease inthe amplitude of inductor oscillation to increase the incidence of powerstrokes in the'operation of the engine, andthus increase power ingenerator output lines, and motor means and/or electrical energy storageapparatus operatively connected thereto. The' engine mentioned may beone operating in the diesel cycle and include a piston adapted tocompress .air within the cylinder for spontaneous ignition uponadditionof fuel, or one operating in the Otto cycle and include a sparkmeans adapted to ignite a fuel-air mixture within the cylinder for theengine cycle power stroke.

The present generator apparatus may further include means to pass fuel,or fuel-free air into the cylinder in timed relation to the engineoperating cycle and selectively to define a predetermined sequence ofpower strokes and nonpower strokes: respectively in the engine'operation, e.g., in fixed quantitles of fuel and .at varyingratesaccording to the stroke sequence, means to vary over time the ratioof power strokes to nonpower strokes, including, e'.g., means responsiveto a predetermined decrease in the amplitude of inductor oscillation toincrease the ratio of power strokes to nonpower strokes in the operationof the engine. The

fuel passing means may comprise a fuel intake port and means topredisperse fuel liquid for passage through the port.

More specifically, the invention provides in an electric generator ofthe internal combustion type having a cylinder and a piston, astationary generator portion beyond the cylinder and a movable generatorportion connected directly to the piston for displacement axially of thecylinder, i.e., along the axial line extending through and beyond thecylinder about a portion of which the cylinder is generated, relativelypast the stationary generator portion responsive to fuel combustion inthe cylinder, spring structure acting on the piston and the movablegenerator portion and reacting to piston displacement by a power strokeof the engine to oscillate the same at the frequency of mechanicalresonance to generate alternating current of harmonic frequency, andmeans to maintain the resonant oscillations. The cylinder maybe providedwith an inlet for combustible fuel mixture and and exhaust outlet, andthe generator device further includes means to feed combustible fuelmixture or fuel-free air into the engine cylinder through the inlet intimed relation to the en-' gine operating cycle and selectively todefine the above noted predetermined sequence of power strokes andnonpower strokes respectively in the engine operation.

The means to maintain resonant piston oscillations mayinclude meanssensing the amplitude of piston oscillation, and means responsive to asensed change in the amplitude to vary the ratio of power strokes tononpower strokes in the operation of the engine by increasing ordecreasing respectively the incidence of fuel combustions within thecylinder.

Additionally, in certain embodiments, the invention includes an electricgenerator ofthe type having an internal combustion engine comprising apair of spaced,

axially alined, opposed cylindersand piston means axially displaceabletherein responsive to fuel'combustion within one or the other of saidcylinders, the generator including a magnetic inductor, e.g., comprisinga-permanent magnet, or coil and magnetic core, carried by the pistonmeans between the cylinders, and spring structure coacting with thepiston means to continuously linearly oscillate the inductor at thefrequency of mechanical resonance responsive tofuel'combustiondisplacement of the piston means, to generate,electricity of harmonic frequency.

More particularly, the invention contemplates an electric generatorcomprising a pair of spaced, opposed cylinders having a commonlongitudinal axis, each of the cylinders ha ving an air-inlet means, acombustible fuel inlet comprising a valve controlledinletport, and anexhaust comprising a valve controlled exhaust port; a piston in each ofsaid cylinders, the pistons being coupled together to be displaceablejointly along the common axis in oscillating relation responsive to fuelcombustion in one or the other of said cylinders; a magnetic inductorcarried by thepistons between the cylinders for oscillation along alinear path parallel to the axis; an

induced current coil and magnetic core thereinbetween the cylinders andadjacent the magnetic inductor path for generation of electricity uponinductor oscillations'therepast; valve operating means, whichrmay beelectrically controlled, to operate the inlet port valve and exhaustport valve of each cylinder alternately to provide therein a fuel andair mixture for combustion to displace the cylinder piston; springstructure reacting to the piston displacement to oscillate the magneticinductor at the frequency of mechanical resonance, and means to maintainresonant frequency oscillation including means to actuate the valveoperating means in timed'relation to piston oscillation responsive to apredetermined decrease in the amplitude of piston oscillation. Thespring structure may be coaxial with the common cylinder axis and besecured at one end to the piston. There may further be provided means toinject fuel into the cylinder under high pressure, e.g., a fuel injectorfor each cylinder, in timed relation to the piston travel for fuelcombustion in the diesel cycle,

thereby to thermodynamically convert the energy contained in the fuelinto a pulsating force applied tothe piston. Alternatively there may beprovided means to ignite the combustible mixture within the cylinder inthe Otto cycle, in timed relation to the piston travel to increase theamplitude of inductor oscillation.

As noted above the generator may be provided with output lines and havea load, e.g., comprising a motor operatively connected thereto. In thisembodiment, a controlled rectifier means may also be provided, arrangedto cut the load from the generator in response to reduced demand forpower, e.g., when slowing or operation thereof at idle. Moreover wherethe generator is connected to an energy storage apparatus such as astorage battery there may be provided means to rectify the currentoutput from the generator.

The foregoing described devices are useful in the practice of thepresent invention in its method aspects for the generation ofalternating current, such method including in one embodiment,oscillating a movable generator portion relatively past a stationarygenerator portion at the frequency of mechanical resonance by means ofan elastic force acting on the mass of the movable portion, andpulsatingly displacing the movable generator portion with the piston ofan engine in timed relation with its oscillations to maintain resonantoscillation, e.g., by sensing the amplitude of movable portionoscillations and effecting the pulsating displacing step in response toa predetermined decrease in oscillation amplitude, to restore maximumamplitude of the oscillation.

More particularly, the method comprises the generation of alternatingcurrent by oscillating aninductor linearly past a stationary magneticcore carrying an induced current coil, at the frequency of mechanicalresonance, by means of springs acting in concert on opposite sides ofthe inductor, and occasionally displacing the inductor against the forceof the springs with first and second pistons of an internal combustionengine, in timed relation with the oscillation, to maintain resonantoscillation. The invention accordingly provides a novel method ofoperating an internal combustion engine which includes oscillating thepiston of the engine at the frequency of mechanical resonance determinedby an elastic force reacting against the motion of the combined mass ofthe engine piston and of energy conversion means, e.g., a magneticinductor operating in a flux field, driven by the piston, to transformkinetic en.-

ergy of the motion into potential energy storedand periodically returnedto the resonant system by the elastic force, thereby avoidingend-of-excursion loss of kinetic energy. The method further contemplatespulsatingly displacing the engine piston with occasional engine powerstrokes and temporarily accumulating the mechanical energy thereof forrelease as periodic oscillant energy to the energy conversion means,sensing the am-' plitude of the periodic oscillations and initiating acomplete internal combustion cycle including a power stroke, in timedrelation to the mechanical oscillation, in response to decrease ofoscillation amplitude below a predetermined limit; and initiating acomplete internal combustion cycle including a power stroke responsiveto a sensed requirement for a predetermined amount of power to bedelivered through the energy conversion means.

The invention further contemplates method for the operation of areciprocating engine including oscillating the piston of the engine atthe frequency of mechanical resonance determined by an elastic forcereacting against the motion of the combined mass of the engine pistonand of the energy conversion means driven by the piston, to transformkinetic energy of their motion into potential energy stored andperiodically returned to the resonant system by the elastic force,thereby avoiding end of excursion loss of kinetic energy. The enginepiston may be pulsatingly displaced by irregularly spaced, occasionalengine power strokes, and the mechanical energy thereof temporarilyaccumulated for release as periodic oscillant energy to the energyconversion means. The method further contemplates sensing the amplitudeof the periodic oscillation and initiating power strokes by theadmission and subsequent expansion of working fluids, responsive to apredetermined decrease in oscillation amplitude.

PRIOR ART It will be evident from the foregoing that the inventionprovides method and apparatus in which irregular, occasional, pulsatingforces resulting from power strokes are converted into, and maintainedat, resonant oscillation of the piston, for the generation of powerwhere the piston is directly connected to a generator movable portion.

Other devices in the literature have involved linear generation of powerand/or free piston movement, but my device to my knowledge is the firstoffering controlled piston oscillation, in a linear generator, and atfrequencies of mechanical resonance. Among prior known devices are thosedisclosed in these patents being all the patents turned up in a PatentOffice search: U.S. Pat. Nos. 1,785,643; 2,829,276; 2,899,565; 2904,70];2,936,743; 2,966,148; 3,105,153; 3,206,609; 3,234,395; and 3,510,703.

It will be noted that those patents do not purport to achievemechanically resonating generator structure nor is any teaching made ofmaintaining such resonance, if even inadvertently achieved. Free pistonengines are dissimilar from my apparatus in having piston movementwithout spring control and in accordingly being unable to resonate atany definite periodicity, if at all. Moreover, free piston engines, socalled, are not converters of energy, but merely produce hot gases. Andnot even this output is variable, while maintaining constant oscillationfrequency, unlike the present appa ratus. I

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The invention .will be furtherdescribed as to certain illustrative embodiments thereof, in connectionwith the attached drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of the present invention in an embodimentparticularly adapted to automobile propulsion;

FIG. 2 is a view in vertical section of a single cylinder Otto cycleengine generator according to the invention;

FIG. 3 is a view like FIG. 2 of a two cylinder Otto cycle enginegenerator;

FIG. 4 is a view taken on line 4-4 in FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a graphical depiction of current output;

FIG. 6 is a schematic of a control circuit for the present generatordevice;

FIG. 7 is a table of engine operation in the Otto cycle with variousratios of power and nonpower strokes, to vary power generated;

FIG. 8 is a table of engine operation in the otto cycle, like FIG. 7 butwith the addition of clean air intake an exhaust modes;

FIG. 9 is a view like FIG. 3, of a diesel cycle engine; and

FIG. 10 is a table like FIG. 7, but ofengine operation in the dieselcycle.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Advantages Resonance hereinrefers to a continuous change between potential energy and kineticenergy, substantially without loss of energy, assuming friction lossesto be negligible. As is known, a resonant system comprises a mass and aspring which provides an elastic force on the mass proportional to themass displacement. Thus, if x is assumed to be a displacement distancewithin the elastic range of the spring, the elastic force is kx where kis the constant of the spring employed. The frequency of resonantoscillation in this system is a function of the system mass and the kfactor of the spring employed.

This invention, in the embodiment to be described here, employsresonance in a thermodynamic cycle for the'purpose of converting thechemical energy of a hydrocarbon fuel, transformed by internalcombustion, into electrical energy, which, of course, can besubsequently transformed into mechanical energy, or other form ofenergy.

The objectives of the invention include:

Greater fuel efficiency than realized in conventional internalcombustion engine devices;

More completefuel combustion, fewer unburned exhaust products and lesssmog generation;

Elimination of inertial losses in engine operation, to reduce mechanicalenergy losses to a minimum;

Longer operating life for-the engine device, through greatly reducedfrictionbetween moving parts, realized by the substantial abse'ncefoflateral or normal forces between these parts;

Increased power per quantumof fuel;

' Elimination of numerous heavyv moving parts in auto-v mobilesand likevehicle's, including crankshaftstransmissions and differentialcomponents;

Modular replacement of parts subject to breakdown; and h J Higherefficiency operation by elimination ,of

heavy drive train components and greater ease ofdeceleration throughabsence of substantial engine inertial forces. 1

System Overview I An overview of the nature and operation of mygenerator device is provided in FIG. 1. Fixed portions of combustiblefuel mixture, obtained as described below, enter the devicethermodynamic cycle at block A. These fuel increments, which may beanother working fluid such as steam, or other condensible-expandiblevapor are passed to block B which is an engine having linearly movable,i.e., reciprocatory pistons for conversion of the energy of the workingfluid into mechanical energy in the form piston displacement. Block C isa resonant mechanical energy tank, namely a springmass system capable ofabsorbing the mechanical energy of the piston displacement during apower stroke and temporarily storing it in the form of potential(elastic force) and/or kinetic (mass in motion) energy; the continuousexchange between the two forms of energy preserves it for asubstantially longer time than that of the power stroke. A pulsatingforce from the piston displacement, block B, is thus applied to thespring-mass system, block C, which reacts, setting up a two-wayinteraction therebetween as shown by the arrows between blocks B and C.

Importantly, the pulsating force increments from the piston cause aperiodic (resonant) response in block C, effectively converting pulsesor inputs of energy irregularly or regularly supplied, into aconsistent, predictable and regularized output, shown as the periodicforce in FIG. 1.

In block D a linear generator of electrical energy is depicted whereinthe periodic motion realized from conversion-of pulsed pistondisplacement into resonant oscillation is used to oscillate an inductorlinearly relatively past astationary magnetic core and coil whereby asinusoidal variationof the magnetic flux through the core is obtainedand an alternating e.m.f. induced in the coils, as is known. Thefrequency of the current is a harmonic of the mechanicalmovement,,dependent on the number of poles as is known in electricalpower generation technology, and in this invention, an har monic of themechanical resonant frequency movement of the inductor. Electricalenergy is thus extracted in block D from the resonantmovement in blockC, pulsatingly driven by the piston in block B. The extractionofelectricity tends to decrease the amplitude of inductor oscillationwhile the piston derived pulses of energy tend to increase thisamplitude. Accordingly the generator reacts on the resonant energy tank,block C, as'shown. An equilibrium is reached and a stable oscillationrealized when the sum of mechanical energy fed into the system by thepiston,- block- B,

equals the sum of energy transformedinto electricaltor during operation,and requiredpower jinformation' fromthe accelerator or other operationcontrol means (not shown) to vary vehicle speed (note that generatoroscillation frequency does not vary with vehicle speed) at thecomparator in-block E. The compared information in block E is integratedinto' an output containing powerinformation fed to block F, the triggermechanism controlling entrance of fixed portions offuel into theabove-described cycle. Thus when the power information to the triggermechanism is that more power is needed, a trigger signal is sent toblock A to commence the feed of fixed portions of fuel to the engine,,block' In addition to being power demand responsive, the triggermechanism in block F is responsive to sensed oscillation amplitude intheblock C resonant energy tank, initiating a trigger signal for afurther pulse to the resonating system when the oscillation amplitudefalls below a predetermined value. A timing control is provided betweenthe resonant energy tank in block C and the trigger mechanism in block Fto ensure only synchronous initiation of pulse energy in block B, so asto avoid counterproductive displacement of the piston therein.

System Components With the foregoing summary of operationalinterrelationships in view, the structural and operational details ofone cylinder, two cylinder, Otto cycle and diesel cycle engines, will bedescribed together with the resonating structure and the linearelectrical power generation means driven thereby according to theinvention. Thereafter, an illustrative control regime for a typicalembodiment will be described.

Engine Aspects Referring now to FIGS. 3 and 4, a two cylinder engineembodiment of the generator device of the invention is shown. The engineper se is generally conventional in design and materials ofconstruction, except as noted hereinafter, and comprises specificallyengine block 1 in which is formed left cylinder a and right cylinder bin spaced opposed relation, on a common longitudinal axis, eachsurrounded by cooling water passages 2, the cylinders each terminatingin an annular flange 3, 4 respectively. The plane of the left cylinder aand right cylinder b in the drawing is different to show an exhaust port5, and the valve arrangement 6 therefor at the left cylinder, and toshow an intake port 7, fuel supply means 8, spark plug 9, and intakeport valve arrangement 10 at the right cylinder, it being understoodthat the intake and exhaust ports and valving for each are side by sideat the top of each cylinder in the embodiment illustrated. Pistons ll,12 comprise respectively piston heads 13, 14 which may carryconventional piston rings (not shown) and rods 15, 16 connected rigidlythereto, and are adapted to fit snugly but move freely with ordinarylubrication in reciprocating relation in their respective cylindersa,'b. Rods l5, l6 terminate in'mounting plates .17, 18 respectively,inductor structure 19 being rigidly mounted-between the opposed plates,by means not shown, to be. directly connected to the pistons 13, 14. Thepistons l3, 14 are thus directly and rigidly connected to the inductorstructure 19 and to each other for movement as an integralunit. Typicalof each engine cylinder, the left cylinder a is provided with an exhaustport 5 and an exhaust valve 20 'controlling flow of gases therethrough,the valve comprising a valve head 21, a valve stem 22 slidably receivedin bore 23 inthe engine blockl, and a polar plate 24. Block passageway25 provides for water circulation at the exhaust port 5. The valve 20 isactuable as a solenoidagainst spring 20a by provision of coil 26surrounding the valve stem 22 adjacent the polar plate 24. Burned gasesor air within cylinder (1 are exhausted by application of electriccurrent to the coil 26, by means not shown, and responsive actuation of1 the valve 20 by the resultant magnetic flux.

Also typical of each engine cylinder, the right cylinder b is providedwith an air intake port 7 a fuel injector 27, intake valve arrangement10, spark plug 9 and water circulation passageway 28 adjacent the intakeport. The intake valve 10 controls flow of air and fuel to the cylinderb and comprises a valve head 29, a valve stem 30 slidably received inbore 31 in the engine block 1, and a polar plate 32. The intake valve 10is actuable against spring 10a as a solenoid by provision of coil 33surrounding the valve stem 30 adjacent the polar plate 32. Incomingfuel-air mixture, or air alone as will be seen, is introduced into thecylinder b by opening of the intake valve 10, by application of electriccurrent to the coil 33, by means not shown, and responsive actuation ofthe valve 10 by the-resultant magnetic flux.

Spark plug 9 is provided for ignition of fuel/air mixture within thecylinder. The fuel injector 27 comprises a restricted orifice port 34 towhich fuel is supplied under pressure (not shown) and a solenoidactuated valve 36 comprising plunger 37 operating in passageway 38,surrounded by electrical coil 39 and carrying end plate 40 toselectively close and open opening 41. The fuel entering passageway 38is jetted from port 34 by the plunger 37 or by source pressurization ofthe fuel and may be further vaporized by contact with hot wall 42portion opposite the port.

The plunger 37 is operated for like periods so that each actuationdelivers the same amount of fuel, but the number of actuations for agiven unit of time may be varied. Complex carburetion and variable fuelinjection problems are obviated, an important feature of my invention,because combustion conditions can be optimized and kept constant.

The engine therefore is an arrangement of cylinders, pistons and valves,operated in the usual sequence, but with the important addition of fixedportions of fuel.

Resonating Inductor Structure The inductor structure 19 comprises apermanent magnet 43 (or transformer laminates which may be provided withan excitation coil at 44) having a magnetic field with the North andSouth poles at opposite ends of the magnet. Compression springs 45, 46are provided centered on annular flanges 3, 4 of cylinders a, b, coaxialwith piston rods 15, 16 and engaged in grooves 47, 48 of mounting plates17, 18, respectively. The size of the springs 45, 46 and their k' factoris selected' to define, with their own, the inductor and the pistonmass, a resonating system. Heavy springs are desirable from a durabilitystandpoint and such serve to permit using all the mass needed in thepistons and inductor structure. As thus located, the springs 45, 46 biasthe inductor structure 19 to be equidistant from the cylinder flanges 3,4 at the position R. Any overcenter displacement of the inductorstructure 19, e.g., the shift left in FIG. 3, causes the compressedspring (e.g., spring 45) to react, and elastically return the inductortoward the center line 49 with the opposite spring 46 acting in tension,to cooperate with the compressed spring. Because, by definition, thespring-mass system employed resonates, the inductor-structure 19 willoscillate indefinitely at the frequency of mechanical resonance given aninitial displacement left or right of the rest position R. The frequencyof inductor structure 19 oscillation will remain substantially constant,while the amplitude, or length x of excursion, left or right will decayover time, as is characteristic of mechanically resonant systems.

Accordingly, the apparatus thus-far described is a mobile systemcomprising a mass-spring combination able to oscillate along itslongitudinal axis at the frequency of resonance. The apparatus isdesirably designed to oscillate at a frequency between about 40 and Hzalthough lower and higher frequencies can be used, provided only thatresonance is maintained. One

advantage of the noted frequency is that piston motion will then comparewith piston speeds now realized in modern automobile engines.Accordingly, no new technology is needed to adapt available auto pistonsand cylinders to this invention. Moreover 60 Hz corresponds to generallyavailable electrical power in the United States, which is an advantagein starting the present generator device, as will be explainedhereinafter.

The inductor motion has been described. The generator structure includesin addition to the movable portion, the inductor 19, a stationaryportion generally indicated at 50 supported by engine block 1 adjacentthe inductor l9 path. The generator stationary portion 50 comprisesfirst and second magnetic cores 51, 52

formed of transformer laminate, secured by bolts 53 (see FIG. 4), andcoils 54, 55, the cores defining a narrow gap 56 with theinductor'structure 19 to ensure efficiency in the magnetic circuitdefined by the opposed, movable inductor structure and the stationarycores 51, 52. The lateral (normal) force between the inductor structure19 and the cores 51, 52, respectively, due to magnetic attraction, isequal and. opposite and thus these forces cancel each other. Friction isaccordingly minimized, and can be reduced even further by an oil film inthe gap 56.

In operation, the coils 54, 55 function as secondary transformerwindings, with the variable magnetic flux being provided to the coils bythe oscillating motion of the inductor structure 19, to cause reversalof the stationary portion core poles 57, 58, 59, and generation of a.c.in the coils which is taken off at lines 60,- 61. The generator can bereversed, becoming an oscillating motor, by application of a suitablefrequency a.c. to coils, e. g., 60 H,, which will cause the inductor tooscillate, with the pistons, and'there'by' establish resonantoscillation as soon as the necessary amplitude is reached, forv stableoscillation. I Generator Output 'With reference to FIG. 5, the generatorcharacterispiston. If x. is taken as the linear-displacement from therest R position, atires'onanee, the vibration x,.=f(t) can becloselydescribed by thesine curves 65a, 65b, FIG.

5. The four strokes of the engine total'c ycle, namely in take (I),compression (C), power stroke (P) and exhaust (E) for eachcylinder eachcoincide with a change in x from a maximum to a minimum, or vice versa.Curves'65a and 65b show the phase relation typical in a two cylinderdevice',where power strokesare sequenced adjacently. The magnetic'flux(it produced in I the magnetic bores 51, 52 by the inductor 19 move mentshown in curve 651: exhibits a linear variation with x,- and thus, asinusoidal-variation with time. The e.m.f. inducedxin the. coils 54, 55will consequently be e (dda/dr) =.k"(dx/dt A reference. winding (coil)which is not loaded by any significant external imped-.

'ance can provide a voltage proportional to dx/dt shownin curve 65b. Asimple integrating circuit can provide a signal proportional to x,according to k I. (dx/dt) dt kx. This signal is further used in theelectronic control of the power cycle as described below.

The four-stroke (Otto) cycle of each cylinder is practically the same asthat of a conventional engine. The constant frequency of oscillation,however, results in a constant cycle during which the fuel/air mixtureand the timing of the spark and valve opening can be optimally adjusted.Especially, the fuel injection system becomes very simple: it injectsthe same fuel amount, with the same timing, during each power cycle. Asdescribed above, activation of coil 39 drives plunger 37 which inaddition to opening the passageway 38, also operates as a piston toinject the fuel. In a two-cylinder system working at full power, thecycle of cylinder b is delayed by one stroke with respect to the cycleof cylinder a. The power stroke in cylinder a corresponds to thecompression stroke in cylinder b, accordingly.

Electrical energy is extracted when an external load is connected to theterminals 60, 61 of the coils S4, 55. This tends to decrease andeventually stop the oscillation of the inductor 19. At the same time,however, mechanical energy is being fed into the system (two powerstrokes for every cycle); this tends to increase the amplitude ofoscillations. As explained above, an equilibrium is reached where theoscillation is stable.

One Cylinder Embodiment Since the system is resonant, the decrease inamplitude during the non-active strokes (intake I, Compression C, andExhaust E) is minimal in the absence of power extraction; and a onecylinder system will operate. A one cylinder system is shown in FIG. 2,where like numbers refer to corresponding functionparts.

' intake stroke (I) of fuel and air is followed by compression stroke(,C), followed bys park and a power stroke (P) as the piston isdisplaced byjthe fuel-air mixture combustion, followed by the exhauststroke (E) and'so forth, repetitively..Meanwhile cylinder b isproceeding through anidentical sequence but in phased relation,

so thatcylinder a power stroke (P)is simultaneous with cylinder bcompression stroke (C.).' 1

As noted, some power strokes maybe omitted. ,The' engine and inductorcontinue tooscillate at the reso nant'frequency, provided sufficientpower pulses (pis ton to inductor) are delivered to maintain'lrequiredamplitude for resonant frequency oscillation. At the 2/18.

regime for example, cylindersaand b initiate a power stroke' (P). cycle(phased) every .18 strokes, i.e.",' 14 strokes are blank betweensuccessive power stroke cy- 'cles. Thesefblank strokes aretermed"n'onpower strokes and it will be seen that power output is variable by varying the ratio of power strokes to nonpower strokes andanincrease in the incidence of power strokes, i.e., relative'to nonpowerstrokes, increases power obtained from the generator device.

As already mentioned, the frequency of oscillation and thus the numberof cycles'per second, remain constant regardless of the power requiredfrom the engine. The reduction of the power output accordingly isachieved by decreasing the number of active or power cycles and byletting the system oscillate freely in between. FIG. 7 shows exemplarypossible combinations of active and passive cycles for a two-cylindersystem. It is noteworthy that a reduction by a factor of and more isreadily achieved, because damping of oscillations is minimal when nopower is extracted from the motor. Under these conditions, onlyfrictional forces absorb energy. Since the moving ensemble is reduced toa minimum (no crankshaft, gears, cams, etc) the frictional forces areminimal too. As shown by FIG. 7 there is a whole range of intermediatelevels of power with cycles comprising from four up to 40 and morehalf-oscillations, each cycle having only two power strokes and theinertia of resonant oscillations providing the nonpower strokes. Theelectronic control to be described is designed to maintain the balancebetween power fed into and extracted from the system.

At this point, it should be stressed that acceleration, increase ofpower from a low to a maximal level, can be achieved with practically nodelay. A failing of conventional diesel, battery or turbine-poweredvehicles has been the lack of adequate acceleration for passenger caruse, for passing or entering freely moving traffic. My generator deviceprovides increased power and thus the ability to accelerate rapidly,virtually instantaneously. For example, if the generator device isidling, e.g., with a 2/40 cycle of FIG. 7, suddendemand for poweroccurs, the next cycles can be 2/4 (maximum); the only delay is a partcycle. There are no mechanical parts to be accelerated, which inaddition to delaying the delivery of increased power, also absorb energy(only to give it back at a time when it is not needed as when braking).It appears unnecessary to stress further the great advantages of thisprinciple as far as performance and economy are concerned.

During the nonactive or blank" cycles, it may be most desirable to admitclean air into the cylinders, to be kept there until the next activecycle. This way, the losses of energy by pumping action on every strokeare avoided, and so is the consumption of electrical energy in openingthe valves andinitiating the spark. FIG. 8 shows exemplary possiblecycles for different levels of power with clean air admission into thecylinders. It is known that combustion is more efficient in cylinderswhich have been flushed with clean air between cycles. This factor inthe present generator device, added to the optimum and constant fuel/airratio, timing, and other factors enumerated. above combine to' producethe cleanest burn which can practically be achieved, to produce thelowest'level of air pollution attainable with internal combustion. Theinherent high efficiency of this device means that the compression ratiocan be diminished while stillobtaining sufficient power from areasonable size engineJn FIG. 8, additional operations have been addedto the strokes shown in FIG. 7. Thus clean air intake'(i) and clean airexhaust (e) are added to the stroke sequence. Otherwise the operation isas described in connection with FIG. 7. Note that the clean air is shownto be retained in the cylinders during the blank (nonpower) strokeseries.

Diesel Cycle As mentioned above, the principle of the invention isequally applicable to diesel cycle engines. Turning to FIG. 9 whereinlike numerals refer to like parts .in FIGS. 3 and 4, a diesel engine isshown, arranged for use in the generator device of the invention. In thediesel embodiment, air is admitted, e.g., to the cylinder b, compressedby the piston 14, fuel is atomized and injected under high pressure intothe compressed air by fuel injector comprising a solenoid actuated valveand plunger 71, and nozzle 72. Combustion of the resulting mixtureoccurs spontaneously, driving the piston from the cylinder, displacingthe inductor structure 19 and initiating the resonant oscillation a.c.generation process described above, which is the same in thisembodiment. Indeed, other working fluids, as earlier mentioned, usableto displace pistons or their equivalent and capable of resonantoscillation as described herein may be used to maintain resonantoscillation of the inductor structure 19 and thereby to effect thepurpose of the invention. In FIG. 10, the a and b cylinders power stroketo total stroke analysis is provided for the diesel embodiment of FIG.9; like FIGS. 7 and 8, FIG. 10 depicts the use of varying ratios ofpower strokes to nonpower or blank strokes, to vary power output. Theasterisks in FIG. 10 refer to the time of fuel injection rather thanspark discharge.

Electronic Control An-illustrative control circuit for theabovedescribed generator device is shown in FIG. 6. Reference coil 101without external load senses the voltage e induced in the coils 54, 55by the motion of the inductor structure 19 and provides a signal e(ddJ/dl) k(dx/dt). A Schmitt trigger 102 driven by the voltage etransforms the sine wave of e (FIG. 5) into square, standard clockpulses CPa for timing pulses of cylinder a, and CPb for timing pulses ofcylinder b. FIG. 5 shows the time relation between voltage e and theinductor structure displacement x, and the clock pulses CP at outputs Qand 6 of the Schmitt trigger 102.

The voltage e is processed by an analog integrating circuit 104 whichintegrates the voltage e with respect to time and thus provides anoutput proportional to the inductor structure 19 displacement.

A source of a pre-set reference voltage X is provided at 103. X,, is setequal to the maximum voltage which can be provided by integrator 104when the inductor l9 displacement at has an amplitude such thatadditional power strokes (active'engine cycles) should be initiated .andthe inductor pulsed, to maintain'proper oscillation. A comparator 105compares actual oscillation displacement x (amplitude) with the pre-setvalue X and provides a signal when 1: falls below X,,,. The or gate 107turns on whenever comparator 105 is on, or whena predict signal isreceived signifying increased demand for power to be forthcoming, e.g.,from an automobile throttle. The cycle is thus changed to a power cyclewith practically no delay..The and gate 120 trans fers the signal fromgate 107 so long as the emergency stop signal does not go off. If suchstop signal is received (e.g., overload) all cycles are stopped, for theduration of the signal. The and gates 108 and 109 transfer the timingtrigger signal, CPa and CPb respectively, when gate 120 is on, into theswitching system comprising and gates l12-and 113, master-slaveflip-flop 1 15 and the or gate 110. And gate 111 transfers CPa pulsesreceived from gate 112 when the end-of-cycle signalis on andand'gate-114 functions similarly with respect to CPb puses Gate turns onwhenever gate 111 or 114 is on, receiving the start-cycle signal anddriving the flip-flop 115 which turns output Q on and off in sequenceaccording to pulses CPa or CPb received indirectly through gate 110.Output 6 follows in inverted decreases.

sequence. The active cycles in cylinders a and b thus are properlyalternated. An end-of-cycle signal from cycle sequence generator 116drives gate 111 to avoid improper start-cycle signals. The cyclesequence generators 116, and 118, respectively for cylinders a and bcomprise digital circuits wired to deliver pulses of the right lengthand in the right sequence for the active cycles of their cylinders.These sequence generators are synchronized by the CP pulses on one ofinputs, and triggered by the input coming from gate 111, or gate 114,respectively.

The pulses from sequence generator 116 and 118 drive power boosters 117and 119 wherein the power of the pulses is increased, e.g., SCRs may beused, to be fed to control lines for fuel injection, intake and exhaustvalves and ignition, and clean air intake and exhaust cycles, if theselatter are used.

In operation, reception of the predict signal or a signal that inductordisplacement x is below the reference value, either of which signalsindicate that more power needs to be supplied to the engine, willinitiate more active cycles, in proper sequence. When power requirementsdrop, the active cycles are suppressed until at AdditionalConsiderations The embodiment described above is only a twocylindersystem but it is evident that any number of such systems and thereforeany number of cylinders can be used in the same-engine. The oscillationsof alternate systems should have the same frequency and desirably be 180out of phase, in order to minimize vibrations. Interlocking of controlsystems and electrical parts can be readily achieved. I

The foregoing description of the internal combustion resonance motorgenerator device has made reference to use of this motor in anautomobile, as a typical application, for which the device is highlysuited. The coils which extract power may consist of several windingswhich can be connected in series or parallel by switches. industrialrectifiers can beused such as to obtain d.c. to drive series-typeelectrical motors, e.g., two or four, connected mechanically to thewheels. No special transmission is necessary, it being known that aseries d.c. motor can achieve both high torque and high speed. Nointerlock of the wheels is needed; if one loses traction, the othermotor will still have full power available. In addition','-the'cost ofhaving four-wheel drive, withfour smaller motors, will be veryreasonable.

. All ancillary systems of the engine and car are electrical, as'most ofthem already are. The power for them is derived directly from theengine.

- The 'servicevof. such a, car is extremely simple. The electric motorsneed very little service during the useful life, and the mechanical andelectrical parts of the engine are so simple that, again, a minimalservice will be needed. Theonlypartywhich is more delicate'is theelectronic section'and this may be built-in theform of plug-in modules,well standardized, which are replace: able at service stations for asmall charge..This procedure would reduce considerably the cost andinconvenience ofmaintaining the car. 7

I claim:

1. In an electric generator of the internal combustion engine type,generator structure including an inductor adapted to bedriven directlyby po'wer strokes in the nant oscillations.

16 the frequency of mechanical resonance between successive powerstrokes to generate electricity.

2. Electric generator according to claim 1 including also meansresponsive to a predetermined decrease in the amplitude of inductoroscillation to increase the incidence of power strokes in the operationof the engine.

3. Electric generator according to claim 1 including also means to passfuel or fuel-free air into the cylinder in timed relation to the engineoperating cycle and selectively to define a predetermined sequence ofpower strokes and nonpower strokes respectively in the engine operation.I

4. Electric generator according to claim 3 in which fuel is passed intothe cylinder in fixed quantities and at varying rates according to saidstroke sequence.

5. Electric generator according to claim 3 including also means to varyover time the ratio of power strokes to nonpower strokes in theoperation of the engine.

6. Electric generator according to claim 3 including also meansresponsive to a predetermined decrease in the amplitude of inductoroscillation to increase the ratio of power strokes to nonpower strokesin the operation of the engine.

7. Electric generator according to claim 3 in which said fuel and airpassing means includes a fuel intake port and means to predisperse fuelliquid for passage through said port. i

8. Electric generator according to claim lincluding also generatoroutput lines and motor means operatively connected thereto.

9. Electric generator according to claim 1 including also generatoroutput lines and electrical energy storage apparatus operativelyconnected thereto.

10. Electric generator according to claim 1 in which said engineoperates in the diesel cycle and includes a piston adapted to compressair within the cylinder for spontaneous ignition upon addition of fuel.

11. Electric generator according to claim 1 in which said engineoperates in the Otto cycle and includes spark means adapted to ignite afuel-airmixture within the cylinder for the engine cycle power stroke.

12. In an electric generator of the internal combustion engine typehaving a cylinder and a piston, a stationary generator portion beyondthe cylinder and a movable, generator portion connected directly to thepiston folr displacement axially of the cylinder relatively past thestationary generator portion responsive to fuel combustion in thecylinder, spring structure acting on the piston and the movablegenerator portion and reactingto piston displacement by a powerstroke oftheengine to oscillate'the same at the frequencyof me;

chanical resonance'to generatealternating current of harmonic frequency,and means to m'ain'tain saidv few- 13. Electric generator deviceaccording toclaim 12 in which said cylinder is provided with an inletfor com-- bustible fuel mixture andan exhaust outlet, andsaid deviceincluding also means to feed combustible fuel mixture or fuel-free airinto the cylinder through said inlet in timed relation to the engineoperating cycle and selectively to define a predetermined sequence 'ofpower strokes and non-power strokes respectively in the engineoperation.

14. Electric generator device according to claim in which the means tomaintain resonant piston oscillation includes means sensing theamplitude of piston oscillation, and means responsive to a sensed changein said amplitude to vary the ratio of power strokes to nonpower strokesin the operation of the engine by increasing or decreasing respectivelythe incidence of fuel combustions within the cylinder.

15. Electric generator according to claim 14 in which said engineoperates in the diesel cycle, said piston being adapted to compress airwithin the cylinder sufficiently for spontaneous ignition of fuelinjected thereinto.

16. Electric generator according to claim 14 in which said engineoperates in the Otto cycle and includes spark means adapted to ignite afuel-air mixture within the cylinder for the engine cycle power stroke.

17. An electric generator of the type having an internal combustionengine comprising a pair of spaced, axially alined, opposed cylindersand piston means axially displaceable therein responsive to fuelcombustion within one or the other of said cylinders, said generatorincluding a magnetic inductor carried by the piston means between saidcylinders, and spring structure coacting with the piston means tocontinuously linearly oscillate the inductor at the frequency ofmechanical resonance responsive to fuel combustion-displacement of thepiston means, to generate electricity of harmonic frequency.

18. Electric generator according to claim 17 in which said magneticinductor comprises a permanent magnet.

19. Electric generator according to claim 17 in which said magneticinductor comprises a coil and magnetic core.

20. An electric generator comprising a pair of spaced, opposed cylindershaving a common longitudinal axis, each of said cylinders having an airinlet means, a combustible fuel inlet comprising a valve controlledinlet port, and an exhaust comprising a valve controlled exhaust port; apiston in each of said cylinders, said pistons being coupled together tobe displaceable jointly along said axis in oscillating relationresponsive to fuel combustion in one or the other of said cylinders; amagnetic inductor carried by the pistons between the cylinders foroscillation along a linear path parallel to said axis; an inducedcurrent coil and magnetic core therein between said cylinders andadjacent the magnetic inductor path for generation of electricity uponinductoroscillations therepast; valve operating means to operate theinlet port valve and exhaust port valve of each cylinder alternately toprovide therein a fuel and air mixture for combustion to displace thecylinder piston, and in sequence to exhaust combustion products; springstructure reacting-to said piston displacement to oscillate saidmagnetic inductor at the frequency of mechanical resonance, and means tomaintain said resonant frequency oscillation including means to actuatethe valve operating means in timed relation to piston oscillationresponsive to a predetermined decrease in the amplitude of pistonoscillation.

21. Electric generator according to claim 20 including also means toignite said mixture within the cylinder in timed relation to the pistontravel to increase the amplitude of inductor oscillation.

22. Electric generator according to claim 20 including also means toinject fuel into the cylinder under high pressure in timed relation tothe piston travel for fuel combustion, thereby to thermodynamicallyconvert the energy contained in said fuel into a pulsating force appliedto said piston.

23. Electric generator according to claim 20 in which the valveoperating means is electrically controlled.

24. Electric generator according to claim 20 including also fuelinjector means for each cylinder for injection of fuel under pressurefor combustion in said cylinder.

25. Electric generator according to claim 20 in which the springstructure is coaxial with the common cylinder axis and is secured at oneend to the piston.

26. Electric generator according to claim 25 including also generatoroutput lines and a load comprising motor means operatively connectedthereto.

27. Electric generator according to claim 26 including also generatoroutput lines and electrical energy storage apparatus operativelyconnected thereto.

28. Electric generator according to claim 26 including also a load andcontrolled rectifier means arranged to cut the load from the generatorin response to reduction in power demand.

29. Electric generator according to claim 27 including also means torectify the current output from the generator.

30. Electric generator according to claim 24 including also meansoperating the fuel injection means in timed relation to the engineoperating cycle and selectively to define a predetermined sequence ofpower strokes and non-power strokes respectively in the engineoperation.

31. Electric generator according to claim 30 including also meansresponsive to a predetermined decrease in the amplitude of inductoroscillation to increase the ratio of power strokes to nonpower strokesin the operation of the engine.

32. Electric generator according to claim 25 including also means topass fuel or fuel-free air intothe cylinder in timed relation to theengine operating cycle and selectively to define a predeterminedsequence of power strokes and nonpower strokes respectively in theengine operation.

33. Electric generator according to claim 32 including also meansresponsive to a predetermined decrease in the amplitude of inductoroscillation to increase the ratio of power strokes to nonpower strokesin the operation of the engine.

34. Method for the generation of alternating current,

which includes oscillating a movable generator portion relatively past astationary generator portion at the frequency of mechanical resonance bymeans of an elastic force acting on the mass of said movable portion,and pulsatingly displacing the movable generator portion with the pistonof an engine in timed relation with said oscillations to maintainresonant oscillation.

35. Method according to claim 34 including also sensing the amplitude ofmovable portion oscillations and effecting the pulsating displacing stepin response to a predetermined decrease in oscillation amplitude, torestore maximal amplitude of said oscillation;

36. Method for the generation of alternating current which includesoscillating an inductor linearly past a stationary magnetic corecarrying an induced current coil at the frequency of mechanicalresonance by means of springs acting in concert on opposite sides of theinductor, and occasionally displacing the inductor against the force ofthe springs with first and second pistons of an internal combustionengine, in timed relation with said oscillation to maintain resonantoscillation.

37.'Method for the operation of an internal combustion engine whichincludes oscillating the piston of said engine at the frequency ofmechanical resonance determined by an elastic force reacting against themotion of the combined mass of the engine piston and of energyconversion means driven by the piston to trans-v initiating a completeinternal combustion cycle includ-' ing a power stroke, in timed relationto said mechanical oscillation, in response to decrease of saidamplitude below a predetermined limit.

40. Method according to claim 39 including also initiating a'completeinternal combustion cycle including a power stroke responsive to asensed requirement for a predetermined amount of power to be delivered Ithrough said energy conversion means.

' 41. Method for the operation of areciprocating engine includingoscillating the piston ofsaid'engine at the frequency of mechanicalresonance determined by an elastic force reacting against the motion ofthe combined mass of the engine piston and of energy conversion meansdriven by the piston to transform kinetic energy of their motion intopotential energy stored and periodically returned to the resonant systemby said elastic force, therebyavoiding end-of-excursion loss of kineticenergy. 42. Method according to claim 41 including also pul satinglydisplacing the engine piston with irregularly spaced engine powerstrokes, temporarily accumulating the mechanical energy thereof forrelease as periodic oscillant energy to the energy conversion means. 43.Method according to'claim 42 including also sensing the amplitude ofsaid periodic oscillation and initiating power-strokes of the admissionand subsequent expansion of working fluids responsive to a predetermineddecrease in said amplitude.

* i= if,

1. In an electric generator of the internal combustion engine type,generator structure including an inductor adapted to be driven directlyby power strokes in the operating cycle of the engine, and springstructure reacting to said power strokes to oscillate the inductor atthe frequency of mechanical resonance between successive power strokesto generate electricity.
 2. Electric generator according to claim 1including also means responsive to a predetermined decrease in theamplitude of inductor oscillation to increase the incidence of powerstrokes in the operation of the engine.
 3. Electric generator accordingto claim 1 including also means to pass fuel or fuel-free air into thecylinder in timed relation to the engine operating cycle and selectivelyto define a predetermined sequence of power strokes and nonpower strokesrespectively in the engine operation.
 4. Electric generator according toclaim 3 in which fuel is passed into the cylinder in fixed quantitiesand at varying rates according to said stroke sequence.
 5. Electricgenerator according to claim 3 including also means to vary over timethe ratio of power strokes to nonpower strokes in the operation of theengine.
 6. Electric generator according to claim 3 including also meansresponsive to a predetermined decrease in the amplitude of inductoroscillation to increase the ratio of power strokes to nonpower strokesin the operation of the engine.
 7. Electric generator according to claim3 in which said fuel and air passing means includes a fuel intake portand means to predisperse fuel liquid for passage through said port. 8.Electric generator according to claim 1 including also generator outputlines and motor means operatively connected thereto.
 9. Electricgenerator according to claim 1 including also generator output lines andelectrical energy storage apparatus operatively connected thereto. 10.Electric generator according to claim 1 in which said engine operates inthe diesel cycle and includes a piston adapted to compress air withinthe cylinder for spontaneous ignition upon addition of fuel. 11.Electric generator according to claim 1 in which said engine operates inthe Otto cycle and includes spark means adapted to ignite a fuel-airmixture within the cylinder for the engine cycle power stroke.
 12. In anelectric generator of the internal combustion engine type having acylinder and a piston, a stationary generator portion beyond thecylinder and a movable generator portion connected directly to thepiston for displacement axially of the cylinder relatively past thestationary generator portion responsive to fuel combustion in thecylinder, spring structure acting on the piston and the movablegenerator portion and reacting to piston displacement by a power strokeof the engine to oscillate the same at the frequency of mechanicalresonance to generate alternating current of harmonic frequency, andmeans to maintain said resoNant oscillations.
 13. Electric generatordevice according to claim 12 in which said cylinder is provided with aninlet for combustible fuel mixture and an exhaust outlet, and saiddevice including also means to feed combustible fuel mixture orfuel-free air into the cylinder through said inlet in timed relation tothe engine operating cycle and selectively to define a predeterminedsequence of power strokes and non-power strokes respectively in theengine operation.
 14. Electric generator device according to claim 12 inwhich the means to maintain resonant piston oscillation includes meanssensing the amplitude of piston oscillation, and means responsive to asensed change in said amplitude to vary the ratio of power strokes tononpower strokes in the operation of the engine by increasing ordecreasing respectively the incidence of fuel combustions within thecylinder.
 15. Electric generator according to claim 14 in which saidengine operates in the diesel cycle, said piston being adapted tocompress air within the cylinder sufficiently for spontaneous ignitionof fuel injected thereinto.
 16. Electric generator according to claim 14in which said engine operates in the Otto cycle and includes spark meansadapted to ignite a fuel-air mixture within the cylinder for the enginecycle power stroke.
 17. An electric generator of the type having aninternal combustion engine comprising a pair of spaced, axially alined,opposed cylinders and piston means axially displaceable thereinresponsive to fuel combustion within one or the other of said cylinders,said generator including a magnetic inductor carried by the piston meansbetween said cylinders, and spring structure coacting with the pistonmeans to continuously linearly oscillate the inductor at the frequencyof mechanical resonance responsive to fuel combustion-displacement ofthe piston means, to generate electricity of harmonic frequency. 18.Electric generator according to claim 17 in which said magnetic inductorcomprises a permanent magnet.
 19. Electric generator according to claim17 in which said magnetic inductor comprises a coil and magnetic core.20. An electric generator comprising a pair of spaced, opposed cylindershaving a common longitudinal axis, each of said cylinders having an airinlet means, a combustible fuel inlet comprising a valve controlledinlet port, and an exhaust comprising a valve controlled exhaust port; apiston in each of said cylinders, said pistons being coupled together tobe displaceable jointly along said axis in oscillating relationresponsive to fuel combustion in one or the other of said cylinders; amagnetic inductor carried by the pistons between the cylinders foroscillation along a linear path parallel to said axis; an inducedcurrent coil and magnetic core therein between said cylinders andadjacent the magnetic inductor path for generation of electricity uponinductor oscillations therepast; valve operating means to operate theinlet port valve and exhaust port valve of each cylinder alternately toprovide therein a fuel and air mixture for combustion to displace thecylinder piston, and in sequence to exhaust combustion products; springstructure reacting to said piston displacement to oscillate saidmagnetic inductor at the frequency of mechanical resonance, and means tomaintain said resonant frequency oscillation including means to actuatethe valve operating means in timed relation to piston oscillationresponsive to a predetermined decrease in the amplitude of pistonoscillation.
 21. Electric generator according to claim 20 including alsomeans to ignite said mixture within the cylinder in timed relation tothe piston travel to increase the amplitude of inductor oscillation. 22.Electric generator according to claim 20 including also means to injectfuel into the cylinder under high pressure in timed relation to thepiston travel for fuel combustion, thereby to thermodynamically convertthe energy contained in said fuel into a pulsating force applied to saidpiston.
 23. Electric generator according to claim 20 in which the valveoperating means is electrically controlled.
 24. Electric generatoraccording to claim 20 including also fuel injector means for eachcylinder for injection of fuel under pressure for combustion in saidcylinder.
 25. Electric generator according to claim 20 in which thespring structure is coaxial with the common cylinder axis and is securedat one end to the piston.
 26. Electric generator according to claim 25including also generator output lines and a load comprising motor meansoperatively connected thereto.
 27. Electric generator according to claim26 including also generator output lines and electrical energy storageapparatus operatively connected thereto.
 28. Electric generatoraccording to claim 26 including also a load and controlled rectifiermeans arranged to cut the load from the generator in response toreduction in power demand.
 29. Electric generator according to claim 27including also means to rectify the current output from the generator.30. Electric generator according to claim 24 including also meansoperating the fuel injection means in timed relation to the engineoperating cycle and selectively to define a predetermined sequence ofpower strokes and non-power strokes respectively in the engineoperation.
 31. Electric generator according to claim 30 including alsomeans responsive to a predetermined decrease in the amplitude ofinductor oscillation to increase the ratio of power strokes to nonpowerstrokes in the operation of the engine.
 32. Electric generator accordingto claim 25 including also means to pass fuel or fuel-free air into thecylinder in timed relation to the engine operating cycle and selectivelyto define a predetermined sequence of power strokes and nonpower strokesrespectively in the engine operation.
 33. Electric generator accordingto claim 32 including also means responsive to a predetermined decreasein the amplitude of inductor oscillation to increase the ratio of powerstrokes to nonpower strokes in the operation of the engine.
 34. Methodfor the generation of alternating current which includes oscillating amovable generator portion relatively past a stationary generator portionat the frequency of mechanical resonance by means of an elastic forceacting on the mass of said movable portion, and pulsatingly displacingthe movable generator portion with the piston of an engine in timedrelation with said oscillations to maintain resonant oscillation. 35.Method according to claim 34 including also sensing the amplitude ofmovable portion oscillations and effecting the pulsating displacing stepin response to a predetermined decrease in oscillation amplitude, torestore maximal amplitude of said oscillation.
 36. Method for thegeneration of alternating current which includes oscillating an inductorlinearly past a stationary magnetic core carrying an induced currentcoil at the frequency of mechanical resonance by means of springs actingin concert on opposite sides of the inductor, and occasionallydisplacing the inductor against the force of the springs with first andsecond pistons of an internal combustion engine, in timed relation withsaid oscillation to maintain resonant oscillation.
 37. Method for theoperation of an internal combustion engine which includes oscillatingthe piston of said engine at the frequency of mechanical resonancedetermined by an elastic force reacting against the motion of thecombined mass of the engine piston and of energy conversion means drivenby the piston to transform kinetic energy of their motion into potentialenergy stored and periodically returned to the resonant system by saidelastic force, thereby avoiding end-of-excursion loss of kinetic energy.38. Method according to claim 37 including also pulsatingly displacingthe engine piston with occasional engine power strokes, and temporarilyaccumulating the mechanical energy thereof for release As periodicoscillant energy to the energy conversion means.
 39. Method according toclaim 38 including also sensing the amplitude of said periodicoscillation, and initiating a complete internal combustion cycleincluding a power stroke, in timed relation to said mechanicaloscillation, in response to decrease of said amplitude below apredetermined limit.
 40. Method according to claim 39 including alsoinitiating a complete internal combustion cycle including a power strokeresponsive to a sensed requirement for a predetermined amount of powerto be delivered through said energy conversion means.
 41. Method for theoperation of a reciprocating engine including oscillating the piston ofsaid engine at the frequency of mechanical resonance determined by anelastic force reacting against the motion of the combined mass of theengine piston and of energy conversion means driven by the piston totransform kinetic energy of their motion into potential energy storedand periodically returned to the resonant system by said elastic force,thereby avoiding end-of-excursion loss of kinetic energy.
 42. Methodaccording to claim 41 including also pulsatingly displacing the enginepiston with irregularly spaced engine power strokes, temporarilyaccumulating the mechanical energy thereof for release as periodicoscillant energy to the energy conversion means.
 43. Method according toclaim 42 including also sensing the amplitude of said periodicoscillation and initiating power strokes of the admission and subsequentexpansion of working fluids responsive to a predetermined decrease insaid amplitude.